The Power of the Resurrection - Peace Church, Loyal OK

The Power of the Resurrection

Wow! What an exciting day! Even Wal-Mart is closed!

This morning we have confirmed two fine young men as they have publicly declared their faith in Jesus Christ as their personal savior, thus confirming what their parents did when they had them baptized as infants.

They have already been serving the Lord for a while, but I trust that this will be a turning point in their lives as they step up to the plate of personal responsibility – the responsibility that all of us have of seeking to become more like Jesus day by day.

Parents and grandparents, we need to be reminded that for the most part our kids become just like us! (Some days that is thrilling, and some days… well, you know what I mean!)

This morning we had a service at sunrise rather than a sunrise service because it was so cold. Thank you, everyone that made our time together a success – especially those that prepared the meal.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him (Jesus) who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3

We are all familiar with the Easter Story. Jesus, the Baby born in a manger, was now 33 years old and completing His earthly ministry. All eyes were on Him because everyone close to Him sincerely believed that He would be the new king, replacing the wicked leader from Rome. But they were wrong! Jesus came to die for our sins, not set up an earthly kingdom. That would come later!

On Good Friday – which we celebrated 2 days ago – Jesus had been put to a cruel death on the cross. Two thieves had hung on each side of him. One had acknowledged Jesus as Lord and was promised a safe journey to paradise. The other one evidently went to hell – eternal separation from God – under the same circumstances the other was saved.

Pilate had offered to exchange Jesus for a criminal named Barabbas, but the crowd demanded the death of Jesus.

Judas, one of the 12, had betrayed Jesus, and then in his grief had committed suicide. The 12 disciples – now numbering 11 – had hidden in terror. Things had fallen apart… hope was gone, discouragement was overwhelming!

Have you ever been there? I have! It isn’t much fun! What can put us there? Many things are capable of taking all of our hope. The death of a loved one, a serious illness, financial reverses, our home destroyed by fire. The list is endless.

Sometimes it seems as if everything is meant to destroy us. But God understands, and He holds the answer to your problem in the palm of His hand – or perhaps in His heart of love for you.

Jesus had tried and tried to help the disciples understand what would take place, but they just couldn’t understand because His explanation did not meet their expectations. The scriptures had prophesied that one of the disciples would turn on the Messiah. It had prophesied that the others would run in terror. Not because God wanted them to, but because God knows what we will do under pressure.

God does not cause the problem, but He has the answer.

It's Friday, but Sunday's comin' was a well-known sermon by Anthony Campolo. In that message he pointed out how the disciples were suffering emotionally and spiritually because they had no idea what God had in store for them.

This morning let’s look at a few of God’s promises for us:

Forgiveness of sins so we can have a daily talk with the God of the Universe!

Peace in our hearts. When God forgives a sin, He forgets it as well.

The promise that God will meet all of our needs.

Salvation is an all-encompassing term that covers your spiritual, physical, emotional and financial needs.

A heavenly home.

If we lack in any of these areas we should look into the Word of God to see if we are missing the boat – or perhaps we are in a hurry.

Remember how anxious you were to get your first car or pickup? It seemed like you would never turn 16! And now look at some of us!

Acts 2:17, “In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people; Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.”

Since God said this through the prophet Joel and it was quoted on the day of Pentecost by Peter, it has to be true. However, when I was 13 I saw my only vision. I was kneeling at the altar bench in my home church and praying about some things. As I looked up and to the left I saw a large, dark cloud. As I watched, it opened, and inside was Jesus hanging on a cross. It was an awesome scene. Slowly Jesus lifted His head and looked straight at me. This is what He said: “Leon, I am doing this for you.” With that He bowed His head and died.

That powerful moment has helped me through a lot of problems. My guess is that many of us have had that moment with God where He assured us of our salvation.

Saints, God loves you and me – totally and completely!

On this Easter morning, please return that love to God!

Loyal, OK

Pastor Leon Seaton